The IELTS reading section tests your ability to understand and analyze academic texts. These texts are often from university-level materials, making them quite challenging. When it comes to "tertiary comparison," we're looking at how texts might compare or contrast ideas, arguments, or findings within a higher education context.
This passage tests:
You do not need to read the whole article to answer comparison questions. Use the names and entities as anchors. Read the sentence before, the sentence containing the name, and the sentence after. That is usually where the answer lies.
Q: Compared to Crestwood, Bayside has
A) higher tuition and higher satisfaction
B) lower tuition and higher satisfaction
C) lower tuition and lower satisfaction
D) same tuition and higher satisfaction Tertiary Comparison Guide Reading Answers Ielts
Correct answer: B
Explanation: Bayside tuition = $24,000 (lower than Crestwood’s $31,200); Bayside satisfaction = 91% (higher than Crestwood’s 84%).
If you are preparing for the IELTS Reading test, you may have encountered a passage entitled "Tertiary Comparison Guide" or "Choosing a Tertiary Course: A Comparative Guide." This text is a classic example of an informational/analytical passage that frequently appears in the Academic IELTS Reading section. It tests your ability to scan for specific details, understand comparative language, and match features to different options.
In this article, we will provide:
Whether you are self-studying or working with a tutor, this guide will help you master this specific passage and improve your general reading skills.
Table: Undergraduate Program Comparison – 2025 Intake
| University | Annual Tuition (International) | Minimum IELTS | Student Satisfaction (%) | Employability Rank | |------------|--------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------|--------------------| | Apex | $28,500 | 6.5 | 88 | 12 | | Bayside | $24,000 | 6.0 | 91 | 9 | | Crestwood | $31,200 | 7.0 | 84 | 15 | | Denforth | $28,500 | 6.5 | 90 | 11 | The IELTS reading section tests your ability to
The text or table may use different words from the question. For example: | Question word | Possible table synonym | |---------------|------------------------| | Cost | Fees, tuition, expenses | | Requirement | Prerequisite, score needed | | Duration | Length, years, semesters |
Question: "Both A and B claim that renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels."